WO2019229191A1

WO2019229191A1 - Light module for motor vehicle, and lighting and/or signaling device provided with such a module

Info

Publication number: WO2019229191A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/064107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yves Gromfeld
Original assignee: Valeo Vision
Priority date: 2018-06-01
Filing date: 2019-05-29
Publication date: 2019-12-05
Also published as: FR3081969B1; FR3081969A1; US11421845B2; US20210215313A1; CN112219062A; EP3803198A1; CN112219062B

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (1) comprising a first series of at least one illumination unit associated with an optical projection system (2) which is configured to produce a first output beam using light from the first series, the first beam forming a motor vehicle lighting function, characterized in that it comprises a second series of at least one illumination unit associated with the projection system (2), the projection system being configured to produce a second output beam using light from the second series, the second beam forming a motor vehicle signaling function, and in which the first and second series comprise output diopters (13) located in the same focal plane as the projection system (2).

Description

"Luminous module for a motor vehicle, and lighting and / or signaling device equipped with such a module"

The present invention relates in particular to a light module for a motor vehicle, and to a lighting and / or signaling device provided with such a module.

A preferred application relates to the automotive industry, for the equipment of vehicles, in particular for the production of devices capable of emitting light beams, also called lighting and / or signaling functions, generally meeting regulations. For example, the invention may allow the production of a segmented light beam, in particular for signaling and / or participation in lighting functions in the front of a vehicle. A segmented beam is a beam whose projection forms a mark composed of beam segments, each segment being able to be lit independently.

Signaling and / or lighting lamps for motor vehicles are light devices that include one or more light sources and an ice that closes the fire. In a simplified manner, the light source emits light rays to form a light beam that is directed towards the ice to produce an illuminating surface that transmits light to the outside of the vehicle. These functions must comply with regulations, particularly regarding light intensity and visibility angles.

Known lighting modules have heretofore been provided for emitting light fulfilling a lighting function, for example:

- a passing beam, directed downwards, still sometimes called code beam and used in case of presence of other vehicles on the roadway;

- a driving beam without cut-off, and characterized by a maximum illumination in the axis of the vehicle;

- a lighting beam for foggy weather, characterized by a flat cut and a large width of illumination.

Signal modules are heretofore provided for emitting light fulfilling a signaling function, for example:

- a position light beam, front or rear (also called lantern) can be used for the signaling for city traffic, also called city lamp or nightlight;

- a change of direction indication beam, also called flashing;

- a daytime running light (DRL);

- a brake activation indicator beam or brake light; - A rear fog light, which can be seen by following vehicles in foggy weather.

In general, the luminous intensity of a signaling function is strictly inferior to that of a lighting function.

These functions may involve a projection towards the front, or towards the rear of the vehicle.

Recently, technologies have been developed to produce a segmented beam, also called pixelated, to perform lighting functions. This is particularly the case for a "road supplement" type of lighting function generally based on a plurality of illumination units each comprising a light emitting diode, which diodes can be controlled individually. The beam, resulting from the different beam segments from each of the diodes, is projected by means of a projection optical system generally comprising one or more lenses. The English word "Matrix Beam" is sometimes used for this type of beam.

The control flexibility of such a beam is widely appreciated by car manufacturers. By cons, it is a lighting element in addition to other lighting or signaling elements.

The present invention aims to remedy at least in part the disadvantages of current techniques.

The present invention relates, in one aspect, to a light module comprising a first series of at least one illumination unit associated with a projection optical system that is configured to produce a first output beam from light from the first light source. series, the first beam forming an automotive lighting function.

Advantageously, the module comprises a second series of at least one illumination unit associated with the projection system, the projection system being configured to produce a second output beam from light from the second series, the second beam forming an automotive signaling function, and wherein the first and second series comprise output dioptres located in the same focal plane of the projection system.

Thus, the projection optical system (which may for example comprise one or more lenses) serves both functions and is illuminated in both cases, so that there is a continuity of illumination of this system even if one move from one function to another. Typically, the exit face of the projection system (for example the outer face of a projection lens) is always visible and illuminated even if the lighting control of the device is changed. In a preferred case, the lighting function is a function of road complement to participate in a high beam in combination with a dipped beam module. The signaling function can be a traffic light.

While the current technique suggests that the lighting and signaling functions are, in essence, distinct and therefore to be treated separately, the present invention mutualises them. On the other hand, the luminous powers involved in the two cases are often very far apart so that combining these functions is an unconventional approach.

According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a lighting and signaling device of a motor vehicle equipped with at least one light module indicated above, and preferably at least two modules. Advantageously, the optical projection system of each module has at least one projection lens in common with at least two modules, or even all the modules.

The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one module and / or a device according to the present invention. In particular, two devices may be used laterally spaced at the front of the vehicle.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the second series comprises at least one light source and an optical element configured to transmit light from the at least one light source to the projection system.

Preferably, the optical element comprises at least one waveguide. This makes it possible to produce light propagation capable of distributing it over a relatively large output diopter surface, by limiting the light intensity produced for the second beam.

According to one possibility, the optical element comprises a plurality of waveguides and an optical coupler configured to distribute the light coming from the at least one light source into the plurality of waveguides. The light is thus directed in several waveguides. According to one possibility, the coupler is an integral part of the piece forming the waveguides, so as to produce a very streamlined element.

Optionally, the coupler may be located at one end of the waveguides.

In one embodiment, the first series comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of lenses each associated with a different one of said light sources and each configured to transmit light from the light source associated with the projection system.

According to a non-limiting possibility, the plurality of lenses is formed on a first waveguide of the at least one waveguide. Thus, the optical part under consideration has a complex function and it is not necessary to use a different optical element for the lighting functions and the signaling functions. Optionally, the first waveguide is located between two other waveguides of the plurality of waveguides.

Optionally, the first waveguide comprises, for each lens, a light input diopter from the associated light source and separation slots each located between two adjacent input dioptres.

Preferably, the notches are configured to form a reflection surface of light rays from the second series. In this way, the notches serve as both an input diopter separator for each of the lenses and an internal reflection surface for re-emitting light along waveguides.

According to one possibility, the light sources of the first series and the second series are carried by the same electronic card. This greatly simplifies the overall design of the device.

Advantageously, the light sources of the first series and the second series are aligned. The implementation on an electronic card is thereby simplified.

According to one possibility, the lighting function is a complement function of high beam.

According to one possibility, the signaling function is a function of position or change of direction light.

In one embodiment, the projection optical system includes a field curvature compensation lens and an output lens.

Advantageously, the following options can also be implemented alternately according to any combination between them:

The light rays from the at least one waveguide and those from the lenses propagate directly, without intermediate element, to the projection system;

The plurality of waveguides comprises two waveguides symmetrically formed around the first waveguide;

The at least one waveguide is horizontal.

The second series includes a single light source. It can be centered on the coupler;

The coupler comprises three first internal total reflection surfaces of the light from the light source and then other reflection surfaces of the light towards the exit diopter of the waveguides;

The light sources are light-emitting diodes;

The first optical elements form an assembly derived from a single piece coming from a single material. In a preferred embodiment, the module is configured to project first and second light beams at the front of a motor vehicle.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the exemplary description and the drawings, among which:

- Figure 1 shows in perspective an embodiment of a device of the invention incorporating four modules;

FIG. 2 shows in more detail, in a first perspective view, a front face of a module integrated in the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1;

- Figure 3 shows an alternative perspective view to that of Figure 2;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the front face of a module of the invention;

- Figure 5 is a sectional view along the lines AA of Figure 4;

- Figure 6 shows a sectional view along the lines BB of Figure 4;

- Figure 7 shows a module of the invention by its rear face.

Unless specifically indicated otherwise, technical features described in detail for a given embodiment may be combined with technical features described in the context, other embodiments are described by way of example and not limitation.

In the characteristics described below, the terms relating to verticality, horizontality and transversality (or lateral direction), or their equivalents, refer to the position in which the lighting module is intended to be mounted in a vehicle. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in the present description to designate directions, in an orientation perpendicular to the horizon plane for the term "vertical" (which corresponds to the height of the modules), and in an orientation parallel to the horizon plane for the term "horizontal". They are to be considered in the operating conditions of the device in a vehicle. The use of these words does not mean that slight variations around the vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the invention. For example, an inclination relative to these directions of the order of + or - 10 ° is here considered as a minor variation around the two preferred directions.

In the following description, a device is a set of components forming a coherent system, in particular carried by the same frame, and capable of being mounted on a motor vehicle, front or rear. It may comprise one or more modules of the invention; these modules are preferably, at least in part, composed of a light source support. The invention may affect a pair of devices to a vehicle, generally to equip a right side and a left side of the front or the rear of the vehicle. The module of the invention incorporates at least a first series of illumination units for generating a segmented type beam, but preferably also provides the projection of at least one other beam, via least another series of illumination units. The module of the invention can therefore be complex and associate several types of illumination units, but which can further optionally share components. In particular, an advantageous embodiment provides for sharing, between the two series of illumination, certain elements that can be taken from: light sources, optical elements. Thus, the terms "first series" and "second series" do not mean that they are systematically separate and distinct.

Optionally, the invention may participate in producing a driving beam. The basic road beam has the function of illuminating a large extent the scene facing the vehicle, but also a substantial distance, typically about two hundred meters. This light beam, by virtue of its lighting function, is located mainly above the horizon line. It may have a slightly ascending optical axis of illumination for example. In particular, the first series of illumination units that will be described later can be used to generate a lighting function of the "road complement" type which forms a portion of a high beam complementary to that produced by a field beam near, the road complement seeking in all, or at least mainly, to illuminate above the horizon while the near field beam (which may have the specificities of a dipped beam) seeks to illuminate in full , or at least a majority, below the horizon line.

The device can also be used to form other lighting functions via or outside of those previously described.

With regard to the signaling functions, an embodiment of the invention is directed to a position light function. The latter may have the following specificities as defined in Regulation 48 ECE in force on the filing date of this patent application:

As indicated above, an advantage of the present invention is to produce, within a same module 1, a first beam filling a lighting function and a second beam filling a signaling function. Illumination units provide the generation of these first and second beams. In addition, both types of illumination units share the same projection system 2; their output dioptre is thus positioned in the object focal plane of the projection system 2.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising four light modules 1. Although this is not limiting, the modules 1 may be laterally spaced from each other, in particular via a partition wall 3 which extends forward of the modules 1. The invention potentially comprises a plurality of modules 1 each making it possible to transmit at least one type of unitary beams. They are preferably juxtaposed, that is to say arranged in a horizontal alignment direction. The term module does not mean that the modules are necessarily completely separate organs; they simply mean that they are separate beamformers; they can share common parts, such as global support 6, projection optics 2 or electronic elements, control for example. In addition to light modules 1, the device of the invention can integrate modules of other types for performing other functions.

Each light module 1 preferably comprises a support 1 1 carrying an optical element 12 and a printed circuit board comprising ignition control means of at least one, but preferably a plurality of light sources, which can be carried by the card itself. The light sources are positioned so as to each generate a luminous flux entering the optical element 12, resulting in a projection of light, here in the direction of a field curvature compensation optical element 4 (which may be a biconvex lens). ), then an optical output element 5 (also preferably a lens). The field curvature compensation optical element 4 is defined so as to compensate for the field aberration generated by the output optical element 5. The latter is preferentially common to the various modules 1. The combination of the optical element of field curvature compensation 4 and the output optical element 5 forms, in the case represented, a projection optical system 2. In the case where several modules 1 are juxtaposed, at least one part of the optical projection system 2, and for example the optical output element 5, is unique for all modules.

The projection system 2 receives light from an upstream portion of the module 1 which comprises the at least one first illumination unit and at least one second illumination unit. Each illumination unit comprises a light source. In a manner known per se, the present invention can use light sources of the type LEDs also commonly called LEDs. It can possibly be organic LED (s). In particular, these LEDs may be provided with at least one chip using semiconductor technology and able to emit a light intensity advantageously adjustable depending on the lighting function and / or signaling to achieve.

Moreover, the term light source means here a set of at least one elementary source such as an LED capable of producing a flow leading to generating at the output of the module of the invention at least one light beam.

In an advantageous mode, the output face of the source is of rectangular section, which is typical for LED chips. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6, the light sources are organized in rows. In particular, there is shown a first row of first light sources 14 each serving to produce the first beam in conjunction with a first optical element comprising here a plurality of lenses 16, and preferably microlenses, each associated with a source 14, 1 together forming a first illumination unit. There is also shown a second series of light sources 15 (in the case of FIG. 6, the second series comprises only one source 15) for producing the second beam in conjunction with a second optical element, the assembly forming a second unit of illumination. Although this is not limiting, where the light sources 15 may be aligned relative to the light source or sources 14. In Figure 6, to differentiate the source 15 from the sources 14, the source 15 has been shown larger. However, the present invention makes no assumption about the actual size of the source 15 relative to other sources 14. For convenience, it is also possible to use the same type of source, including the same type of LED, for all sources. However, for a signaling function, the source or sources 15 may optionally have an overall light output less than the overall light power of the sources 14. To achieve this, it is possible to choose LEDs of different types and / or have more sources 14 than sources 15.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, an advantageous configuration of the optical element 12 is presented. The three-branched form illustrated therein fulfills the function of optical element of the first illumination units, comprising lenses 16, and at the same time the optical element function of the second illumination unit, thanks to to waveguides: a first waveguide 17, and here two additional waveguides 18. It may be a piece from a single optical material, for example poly-methyl methacrylate . Note that in the embodiment shown, the portion forming the first waveguide 17 also forms the lenses 16. This provision is however not limiting and it is possible in particular to form separately the optical part performing the or the waveguides and the optical part producing the lenses 16.

The lenses 16 are preferably juxtaposed edge to edge in the width direction of the beam to be produced. Each lens 16 advantageously has an exit face forming a part of said other exit face of the first series of illumination units.

The waveguides 17, 18 are, in the case illustrated, superimposed in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the beam from the first series of illumination unit. Note that it is not necessary to use a plurality of waveguides. Only one can suffice, especially in the body of the optical part used to form the lenses 16. It will be noted from the figures, in particular from FIGS. 2 and 3, that the output surface of the guides 17, 18 is in the same plane with manufacturing tolerances, as the exit surface of the lenses 16; in the case of the guide 17, the exit surface is also formed, at least in part, by the exit surface of the lenses 16. The plane containing the exit diopter 13 of the optical element 12 is preferably perpendicular to the optical axis of the module and / or parallel to an input diopter of the optical system 2 (for example the field curvature compensation lens 4).

In general, the optical element 12, comprising the output dioptres of the waveguides and lenses, is configured so that the projection optical system 2 can be used in common for the waveguides and the lenses. The distance separating, along the optical axis, on the one hand the input diopter of the projection system 2, and on the other hand, the output of the waveguides and the output of the lenses, is therefore identical.

Advantageously, as is the case in the embodiment shown in the various figures, the second illumination unit comprises means for propagating, inside the waveguide (s), the light coming from the second source 15. To achieve this, whereas, as shown in Figure 6, the second source 15 is advantageously aligned with the sources 14 and preferably carried by the same electronic card support, the module comprises a member configured to direct the luminous flux coming out of the light source 15 in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide (s) 17, 18. This member may comprise in particular reflection surfaces for returning light from the output face of the source 15 towards the inside of the guides.

In the case of an optical element 12 comprising three waveguides 17, 18, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, these reflecting surfaces are formed by a coupler 19 having, like the reference numerals of FIG. indicate, from three reflecting surfaces 191, 192, 193. The resulting light distribution is reflected by the arrow light paths indicated in Figures 4 to 7.

Thus, in FIG. 4, the light coming from the light source 15 is directed partly towards the first waveguide 17 thanks to the surface 191 while another part of the light reaches the additional waveguides 18 by the surfaces 192, 193. For the latter, the pair advantageously further comprises second reflection surfaces 182, carrying out additional reflection, so as to send the stream along the longitudinal direction of the guides 18. Given the reflections to be made, it is Advantageously, the reflecting surfaces are directed at 45 ° relative to the mean direction of the light to be reflected. Preferably, the coupler 19 is a portion of the optical element itself, advantageously monobloc.

The reflection effected at the output of the light source 15 is more particularly illustrated in FIG. 5, in which the polyhedral form of the external face of the coupler appears. 192 surfaces and 193 are advantageously angularly offset by 90 °. Advantageously, the changes in the direction of light in the coupler 19 and in the waveguide (s) 17, 18 are effected by internal reflection. The optical indices of the materials involved and the angles of the light rays are configured to produce this internal reflection, which is preferably total. Alternatively, one or other of the reflections may involve a reflecting surface forming a mirror.

FIG. 6 shows the reflection of light from the source 15 towards the first waveguide 17. The light enters the coupler 19 until it is reflected by the surface 191 so as to follow an average direction oriented according to the length of the handlebars

17.

FIG. 6 also illustrates the sources 14 in cooperation with the optical element forming both the handlebar 17 and the lenses 16. The latter each comprise an input diopter 161 allowing the admission of light from the sources 14 to the Inside the lens 16. In order to individualize the diopters 161, these can be separated by notches 162, for example beveled, forming depressions along the waveguide 17. The exit face of the lens 16 is also advantageously curved, convex curvilinear shape, to form the corresponding outlet diopter portion 13.

It will be understood that the mean direction of emission of the sources 14 and the mean direction of propagation inside the lens microphones 16 from the sources 14 are preferably directed from the rear towards the front according to the depth of the module 1, ie along the optical axis of module 1. In contrast, the light from the coupler 19 is introduced into the waveguides 17, 18 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. It is then redirected step by step along the longitudinal direction of each waveguide so as to reach the exit diopter 13. This redirection is preferably effected by impact of the light on surfaces inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide. guide considered.

Thus, in the case of the first waveguide 17, FIG. 6 shows that the notches 162 form obstacles to the longitudinal propagation of the light coming from the source 15; when it interferes with these notches 162, the light is redirected with a different angle, producing a light emission via the diopter 13. In the case of other waveguides

18, reliefs, for example in the form of ridges 181, provide the redirection function. It will be understood that this arrangement makes it possible to distribute the light along the output diopter 13. Thus, the level of luminous intensity of the signaling function produced with the at least one second source 15 can easily be minimized. Much lower levels can be achieved than would be achieved by controlling with as little power as possible one or the other of the first sources. In operation, when a lighting beam is to be produced, at least the sources 14 are activated, all or part of them. Since a high level of illumination is generally desired for this type of function, it is also possible, although not necessary, to activate at least one of the sources 15 in addition. When a signaling beam is to be produced, the sources 14 are extinguished and only at least one of the sources 15 is active. The module 1 is preferably equipped with a control member configured to control the activation and deactivation, and preferably the power level, of each source 14, 15. This control is preferably operated at least from a parameter related to the nature of the lighting or signaling function to be produced.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any embodiment within its spirit.

REFERENCES

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Claims

1. A light module (1) comprising a first series of at least one illumination unit associated with a projection optical system (2) which is configured to produce a first output beam from light from the first series, the first beam forming an automotive lighting function, characterized in that it comprises a second series of at least one illumination unit associated with the projection system (2), the projection system being configured to produce a second output beam from light from the second series, the second beam forming an automotive signaling function, and wherein the first and second series comprise output dioptres (13) located in the same focal plane of the projection system (2).

Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second series comprises at least one light source (15) and an optical element (12) configured to transmit light from the at least one light source to the projection system ( 2).

3. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the optical element (12) comprises at least one waveguide (17,18).

4. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the optical element comprises a plurality of waveguides (17,18) and an optical coupler (19) configured to distribute light from the at least one light source (15) in the plurality of waveguides (17,18).

5. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the coupler (19) is located at one end of the waveguides (17,18).

The module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first series comprises a plurality of light sources (14) and a plurality of lenses (16) each associated with a different one of said light sources (14) and each configured to transmit light from the light source associated with the projection system (2).

7. Module (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the plurality of lenses (16) is formed on a first waveguide (17) of the at least one guide of waves (17,18).

8. Module (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the first waveguide (17) is located between two other waveguides (18) of the plurality of guides of waves (17,18).

9. Module (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the first waveguide (17) comprises, for each lens (16), an input diopter (161) of light from the light source (14) associated and separation notches (162) each located between two adjacent entrance dioptres 161.

10. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the notches 162 are configured to form a reflection surface of light rays from the second series.

1 1. Module (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the light sources (14,15) of the first series and the second series are carried by the same electronic card.

12. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the light sources (14,15) of the first series and the second series are aligned.

13. Module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting function is a complement function high beam.

14. Module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling function is a position light function or change of direction.

15. Module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection optical system (2) comprises a lens (4) of field curvature compensation and an output lens (5).

16. Lighting and signaling device of a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of modules (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

17. A lighting and signaling device according to the preceding claim, wherein the optical projection system (2) of each module (1) has at least one projection lens common to at least two modules.